This word throughout the biblical text is indicative of might, strength, and force. It is used in the Old Testament to render many Hebrew words like that for valor, rule, and dominion. The principal words for “power” in the New Testament are dunamis, from which we get the word dynamite in English, and exousia which refers to jurisdiction over a certain realm, a right, privilege, or ability. In Mark 3:15 and 6:7 Jesus gives His followers authority over demons and/or unclean spirits; and in Ephesians 1:21 Christ Himself is depicted with strength, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and (above and over) every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Romans 9:21 reinforces this understanding of “power” when asking, “does not the potter have a right over the clay?”
This type of “power” is attributed preeminently to God, whose absolute attribute of omnipotence (almighty, all-powerful) is referenced in I Chronicles 29:11-13:
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.
In Revelation 7:12 the testimony of God’s power is expressed as those gathered around the throne fall on their faces and declare,
Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
God’s supreme manifestation of this “power,” as in His wisdom, His mercy, His grace, and His love, is redemption.
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. — I Corinthians 1:18
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. — I Corinthians 1:21-2
In addition, the preaching of Christ’s gospel is often accompanied by a display, manifestation, or demonstration of “power” as affirmed in I Corinthians 2:4. Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians 1:5 that this transforming message of grace, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, and hope, “did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction!” Miracles are also noted by Jesus Christ, when translated literally, as “works of power” in reference to His own supernatural ministry on earth in Matthew 11:21, 23.
As we’ve been studying on Sunday mornings and most recently on Wednesday evenings, we, as faithful followers of JC, recognize and are fully aware of these truths.
1. The power of God raised Christ from the dead.
2. That same power will raise all true believers who are Christ’s as part of the first resurrection.
3. This power, God’s supernatural, incomparable, immeasurable, restorative, rejuvenating omnipotence, resides within us.
Therefore, we shall not be moved, we shall remain steadfast through all things (even physical persecution which may lay at our doorstep) in the hope and confidence of our Lord, Jesus Christ and His provision of great “power” … “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4. In the consideration of “power” I’m challenging all of us to study, meditate upon, and fully embrace II Timothy 1:7:
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power (dunámeoos – dynamite) and love and discipline.
His & Yours, PF